Category Archives: EV

EV

Lexus RZ450e F Sport Performance unveiled as an EV SUV, 100 unit only, RM379k in Japan

Lexus is attempting to steal some attention in the high-performance electric SUV market by introducing the special model RZ450e F Sport Performance.

It is actually the actual production version of the RZ Sport Concept model that was previously showcased at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2023.

Lexus utilized the expertise of aerobatic pilot Yoshihide Muroya to develop up to 17 aerodynamic components for this RZ450e model.

These include carbon fiber wings, followed by turning vanes on the sides using aircraft aerodynamic technology. In addition, the RZ450e also features a hood, roof, as well as front and rear spoilers made from carbon fiber.

The driving aspect relies on the expertise of racer Masahiro Sasaki, where the SUV suspension system has been retuned before being fitted with 21-inch ENKEI aluminum rims at all four corners.

Lexus uses a combination of black, silver white called Hakugin, and blue accents for the exterior. Meanwhile, the cabin carries a combination of black and blue on the dashboard, Ultrasuede-wrapped seats, synthetic leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum sports pedals, and F Sport Performance scuff plates.

In Japan, the Lexus RZ450e comes with a setup of two electric motors, each producing 204 PS/266 Nm (front) and 109 PS/169 Nm (rear), as well as a 71.4 kWh battery pack.

Prices start from 11,800,000 yen (RM379,132) with only 100 units of the RZ450e F Sport Performance slated for production. Each eligible buyer will be notified by their respective dealers on February 22, 2024.

EV

Porsche Macan EV in final testing phase, global premiere 25 Jan

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PORSCHE engineers are preparing the all-new Macan, which now is also an electric model (EV), for its global debut soon.

The SUV is currently in its final phases and has undergone various extreme tests. As previously reported, this second-generation Macan is an electric model replacing the first generation after 10 years on the market.

The Porsche Macan EV is built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE).  It remains a sporty Porsche but will become more efficient.

“When we develop a new model, it’s always about the driving dynamics and precision. That’s Porsche. It’s in our DNA. But it’s always about efficiency too. And design,” says Jorg Kerner, Vice President of the Macan Product Line.

The key to the new Macan’s aerodynamics is its drag coefficient (Cd) as low as 0.25. One of the challenges is maintaining the successful Macan identity while meeting new aerodynamic requirements.

This is achieved with Porsche Active Aerodynamic (PAA), which includes an active spoiler at the rear, active cooling flaps at the front, and a flat and closed underbody like a racing car.

Over 500km driving range

The Porsche Macan EV will be equipped with a 100kWh lithium-ion battery and 800-volt construction on the PPE platform.

This allows the Macan to receive fast DC charging up to 270kW, meaning the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in just 22 minutes. AC charging remains at 11kW. The driving range is over 500km for all variants.

Tested and ready for global launch

The Macan EV is currently in its final testing phase, and prototypes with overall camouflage have been driven over 3.5 million km on test tracks and public roads worldwide.

“We cover all temperature ranges. From minus 30 degrees Celsius in Scandinavia to plus 50 degrees Celsius, as we experienced in Death Valley in California,” said Kerner.

“Of course, an SUV also has to work on any surface. That’s why we test not only on roads, but also off-road, on gravel, snow and ice.” he said.

Systems such as all-wheel drive, two electric motors, Porsche Traction Management, Launch Control, Porsche Active Suspension Management, all have been tested on these surfaces.

Look out for our report after the official launch of the Porsche Macan EV on January 25th.

EV

Vinfast invests RM9 billion to set up EV factory in India

EVEN in the face of challenges in the United States, Vietnamese EV manufacturer Vinfast continues to move forward by announcing plans to build a new factory in India.

The factory to be constructed in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu is expected to cost around $2 billion (RM9.29 billion), with $500 million earmarked for the first phase of the project.

VinFast North Carolina Factory Rendering

Construction of the Vinfast factory will commence this year, expected to operate with a workforce of about 3,000 to 3,500 people, and an annual production capacity of up to 150,000 units.

In addition to announcing the construction of the third factory, Vinfast will also establish a distribution network throughout India.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding, Vinfast Global Deputy CEO Tran Mai Hoa stated that this latest move demonstrates Vinfast’s commitment to sustainable development and the vision of zero-emission transportation.

“We believe that by investing in Tamil Nadu, we will not only bring significant economic benefits to both sides, but also help accelerate the transition to green energy in India and the region.”

So far, Vinfast has already offered a range of electric-powered products in specific markets, such as VF3, VF5, VF6, VF7, VF8, and VF9.